MANILA—The Malacañang Palace issued a scathing rebuttal on  May 14, dismissing Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intends to use charter change to extend his presidency. 

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro characterized the Vice President’s claims as "baseless and unsubstantiated," asserting that the administration remains focused on governance rather than political maneuvering. 

“Mas nakakahiya sa ngayon ang magkomento pa sa mga walang basehan at walang sustansyang pahayag ni VP Sara Duterte.” PCO Undersecretary Castro said.

The friction comes after the Vice President publicly linked the President's recent openness to constitutional reform noted in a Bloomberg interview to a direct plot to remain in power beyond his legal term.

Press Officer Castro did not mince words, urging for public servants to prioritize genuine service over the creation of political "intrigue and fake news." 

“Ang kailangan natin ay isang public servant na nagseserbisyo sa bayan at taumbayan at hindi yung ang alam lang ay gumawa ng intriga at fake news.” The Palace officer said.

The Palace’s aggressive stance signals a deepening rift between the nation's top two leaders, framing the Vice President’s warnings as a distraction from the country’s pressing needs.

Vice President Duterte’s original remarks suggested a domino effect starting with International Criminal Court (ICC) complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bato dela Rosa, ultimately culminating in a term-extending charter change. 

“Una niyan si Dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, sunod niyan si Senator Bato at kung sino pa man yung ibang mga sinali sa complaint diyan sa ICC. Ang sunod niyan ay charter change.” VP Duterte said.

She argued that the President could no longer deny these intentions after acknowledging that constitutional discussions are on the table. 

“Hindi naman na made-deny yan ni BBM kasi doon sa bago niyang interview sa bloomberg sinabi niya na noo na kailangan pag-usapan ang charter change. Pag pinag-usapan natin ang charter change ang ibig sabihin niyan hindi na yan bababa sa pwesto si BBM.” The Vice President added.